VICTOR, NY — There are many examples of how the partnership between the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and Eastview Mall in Victor pays off during the holiday season.
One case a year ago involved someone who stole a jewelry item from a mall store and fled. Because a full-time deputy was on duty at the mall, in this case, Deputy David Fischer, the culprit was apprehended outside the mall, arrested and the jewelry item was recovered.
Eastview Mall is one of the safest shopping destinations in the Finger Lakes region, in part because of that partnership, according to Sheriff David Cirencione.
But when an estimated 2 million people come to the mall during the holiday shopping season, there will also be a certain number of people coming here to commit criminal activity, mainly thefts, Cirencione said at a press conference Monday at the mall.
The Sheriff’s Office will again provide a significantly increased presence patrolling in the mall and in the parking lot, especially on weekends, alongside mall security. Deputies will also be directing traffic in the parking lot this holiday season.
“I just want to reassure people, it is safe up here,” Cirencione said. “Our officers and mall security are keeping an eye on what’s going on at all times. They’re here for your safety.”
Shoppers can do their part.
Don’t leave your wallet or purse while shopping
Most of the theft cases deputies investigate involve leaving personal items, such as a purse or wallet, unattended either in their car or at a store counter or fitting room.
By the time a person discovers their items are missing, stolen items may have already been charged to credit cards, Cirencione said.
When shopping, don’t set the items down; keep them on your person. When shopping in pairs or larger groups, remind each other of this.
“Don’t let it out of your sight,” Cirencione said.
Stay in your car
Cirencione offered several tips shoppers should heed.
Recently, someone knocked on a shopper’s car window and told her that she had dropped cash near the trunk. She questioned the story at first, but then got out of the vehicle to check.
That’s when a second person climbed into the front seat and stole her purse.
“In that situation, they were able to shut the credit cards off before they could be used,” Cirencione said.
The case, however, remains under investigation.
“Anytime somebody is trying to lure you out of your car, please don’t engage,” Cirencione said. “Stay in your car, and get ready to get yourself out of that situation.”
If you see something, say something
You’ve heard law enforcement continually urge people with this message: If you see something, say something.
It works, Cirencione said.
Ten days ago, two kids smashed a vehicle window in an attempt to steal it.
“Thankfully, an alert shopper saw this and reported it immediately,” Criencione said.
Security and deputies, who are on call on mall property at all times when it’s open, apprehended the two before the car left mall property, Cirencione said.
“If something just doesn’t look right to you, please call 911 or come to mall security,” Cirencione said.
General safety reminders
- Be diligent and aware of your surroundings, whether it’s outside or inside. If you see someone following you, call 911 or mall security.
- Put recently purchased items in your trunk so they’re not visible from the outside. That also goes with personal items and valuables.
- Take note of where you park, so you can get to your car quickly. Mall security and deputies will escort you to your car if you don’t feel safe. If you lock your keys in the car, law enforcement and mall security are there to help. Mall security will also help jumpstart your vehicle if necessary.
How new technology works for shoppers
Since March, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has been making good use of new technology called Prepared Lives.
When someone calls 911, the dispatcher can send, with the caller’s permission, a link to their cell phone if the case warrants it. When the caller clicks on the link, the dispatcher has access to the camera from the caller’s phone.
“The dispatcher has a live view of what’s going on,” Cirencione said.
Here’s how it can be used. If you see someone try to steal a car, the technology allows the dispatcher to see what the thief is wearing from your phone’s camera, which can help with obtaining license plate information and vehicle and criminal descriptions.
According to 911 Chief Stephen DeChick, use of the technology resulted in the recent arrest of someone who tried to steal a vehicle.
The technology, which is used as many as twice a week, is also helpful at accidents and can help law enforcement arrive at the scene quicker. “It’s often used in fire calls,” DeChick said.
Cirencione emphasized this is voluntary, and does not allow access to private information. Once a call is terminated, there is no more connection to your phone.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.